A computer-vsion based technique for condition monitoring of power transformers

Electric utilities have become more conscious of the need to operate their systems in the most efficient manner possible and to provide increased quality of service to their customers at minimum cost. There has been an increasing interest in reducing maintenance costs without sacrificing reliability and safety. The monitoring of the condition of electrical plants and equipment/components is more and more becoming an important element of power system operation, management and control since it can significantly reduce the costs of maintenance. It allows for the early detection of potentially catastrophic faults and the implementation of condition-based rather than failure-based maintenance. Instead of doing revisions and overhauls through scheduled maintenance at fixed time intervals, these time consuming and expensive operations can be delayed until convenient or necessary. The benefits of condition monitoring are well known and more importantly the information provided on the particular equipment operating life allows business decisions to be made either on the refurbishment or on asset replacement.